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Rusty Truck BBQ Company Debuts at Smokin’ Showdown

Rusty Truck BBQ Company Debuts at Smokin’ Showdown

Jun 11, 20152 min read

(Photo Credit: Rusty Truck)

It looks like local restaurateurs are finally moving beyond fast-fire pizza mania.

The new craze? Good, old-fashioned barbecue. But, the latest addition isn’t brick and mortar.

Rusty Truck BBQ Company is housed in what was once an old, rusty water tank. Since being converted in 2012, the six-foot truck has been serving up homestyle barbecue with classic sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, as well as unique dishes like grilled brownies.

Owners Jake and Amy Walker met while attending University of Kansas. Put your basketball prejudices aside for the sake of smoked meat, as this is also where Jake earned his chops as a barbecue and beer connoisseur.

After moving back to Tucson to start a family, Jake couldn’t quite get away from his first child: the smoker. With help from some friends, the Rusty Truck was born and began to gather crowds of devotees in backyards and at tailgates.

Following their upcoming public debut at Hotel Congress’ Smokin’ Showdown June 27, Rusty Truck will be available to cater parties from five to 500.

Jake can even hitch his hand-built smoker to the truck and park it at your next party, wedding or festival.

“The smoky, sweet and savory aromas wafting out of that piece of junk will be powerful enough to convert even downwind vegetarians into die-hard Rusty Truckers,” he claims. “Living Rusty is about taking your time and counting your blessings. It’s about making friends, making memories, and maybe even making a bit of mischief along the way.”

Smokin’ Showdown at Hotel Congress, benefits Steele Children’s Research Center, happens June 27, 6pm to 9pm. $30 admission includes BBQ beef brisket from seven participating vendors, beer by Pueblo Vida and live music by Greyhound Soul. Rusty Truck tee-shirts, hats and packaged sauces will also be available for purchase at the event, with 10% of proceeds to charity. Party goers must be 21 or over.

For more information, visit Rusty Truck BBQ on Facebook.

Article written by:

Theresa Delaney

Theresa Delaney

More about Theresa
Theresa is a copywriter, food explorer and pursuer of all things creative. Find her at theresadelaney.com.

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Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
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More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
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Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

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‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

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